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Category: Platform

Mobile gaming is the leading trend in the gaming industry of this generation. There are tons of mobile games being released every week on the KakaoTalk platform alone. The line of new PC online gaming has been on a halt for so long, that traditional gamers that strayed away from mobile games have been hidden in the industry.

However, worry no more my fellow gamers! Along with <Black Desert> that left impressive impressions after its first public testing, many other MMORPGS that have been forgotten from the eyes of the public make their reentrance in one form or another: <Bless>, <Icarus>, <Soul Walker>, <Genesis 4>, <Civilization Online>, <Wolf Knights> and many more.

We here at ThisisGame have collected and organized the upcoming titles, and have concluded that there are about 40 games that have plans to launch their CBT or the OBT phases within 2014, and we expect many more to be revealed as the year progresses. Just what are these games, and where are they? Let us take a look!

Set to be released in 2014! Upcoming battles between MMORPGs

Game Title

Plans

Icarus

OBT – in beginning of 2014

Black Desert

2nd CBT – 2014 H1

Bless

CBT – in first 4 months of 2014, OBT – within 2014

There is no doubt that MMORPGs receive the most spotlight among all other online games. Three big title MMORPGs are in plan for 2014.

First off, WeMade is finally launching the OBT phase of their 10-year-in-the-making title <Icarus> in the beginning of 2014 (for real this time.) Icarus had received many positive feedback from their last testing phase for the stable and fluid combat along with the taming of a player’s fellow (mount.) The main distinguishing features of this game include very strong fundamentals and non-target mid-air combat and raid with the use of fellows.

The highly anticipated <Black Desert> is also has plans for its 2nd CBT phase in first half of 2014. While the first CBT impressed its players with its beautiful graphics and stunning action, there were much left to be desired in terms of the game’s general feel of convenience and contents. It will be interesting to see the improvements in the upcoming 2nd CBT.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the Kim Dae-Il, the CEO of Pearl Abyss, has plans to develop the game to its ultimate completion, no matter the time it takes to do so. However, with the original plan for its release left back in the Winter of 2013, the game plans to launch is OBT phase in 2014.

Neowiz’s anticipated title <Bless> also has plans to release within 2014. Its first CBT will begin in the first 3 months of 2014. Despite the fact that its original plans for launching the CBT within 2013 was delayed, it has been entertaining its waiting fans with continuous release of information of the game. There are currently a quite a bit of information and images on their official site, including the new trailer and skill videos previously released during KGC 2013.

Neowiz Bless Studio had previously announced that one of their main goal was to make a game that focuses on respecting the players’ playstyles, whether they are continuous players or players who continuously quit and return to the game. We will get to see just how this system works in the near future.

Much anticipated sequels! Will they live up to their predecessors?

Game Title

Plans

Winning Eleven Online 2014

OBT – 2014 H1

Hench

CBT – January, OBT – 2014 H1

Kingdom Under Fire 2

OBT – 2014 H1

Red Jewel 2

CBT – within 2014

Mu 2

CBT – 2014 H1

Dark Eden 2

CBT – within 2014

Sequels are on their way as well, whether it be for an upcoming release or testing phase. First off, Blueside’s long-in-the-making <Kingdom Under Fire 2> is planned to be released in the first half of 2014. <Kingdom Under Fire 2> previously showed off its new demo at G-Star 2013, and revealed a gameplay that consisted of a large-scale battle among hundreds of units.

Expecting synergy with the upcoming World Cup 2014, the graphically improved <Winning Eleven Online 2014> is going into its OBT phase in the first half of 2014. With everything from game graphics to game systems renovated, the game promises to ‘focus more in what soccer is as a sport rather than player development.’

Revealed previously during G-Star 2011, <Mu 2> is in plan to undergo CBT during the first half of 2014. On the other hand, <Red Jewel 2>, a game that went dark after being mentioned in G-Star 2012, comes back to start a CBT phase during 2014. <Red Jewel 2> improved their cartoon-like graphics and transformation systems while <Mu 2> is currently polishing out the details, such as their signature hack-n-slash combat.

<Dark Eden>’s sequel <Dark Eden 2> and <Mix Master>’s sequel <Hench> are also planning their test phases and launch dates within 2014. <Dark Eden 2> once again is themed ‘Vampires and Humans.’ Graphics are improved to today’s standards while keeping the key factors of the original alive. While <Dark Eden 2> plans to undergo its CBT phase in 2014, there has been no release of details.

<Hench> is a sequel that took its original’s monster collect-n-fuse system and built a game around it. A player is able to travel along with 3 different pets at once, and will be able to collect-n-fuse monsters in this fashion in order to create a more powerful monster. Over 400 different kinds of monsters are in preparation, and the final test phase will be between January 2nd and 5th.

A march of the Action-RPGs

Game Title

Plans

Eloa

CBT – January

Project Blackship

CBT – March/April

Closers

CBT – first half of 2014 OBT – Summer

Soul Walker

CBT – first half of 2014

Mystic Fighter

CBT – first half of 2014

Action-RPGs are where the competitions lie among these newly upcoming titles. <Closers>, <Soul Walker>, and <Project Blackship> begin their testing phase in the first half of 2014.

<Closers> are equipped with an animation-like character and story progression. All the different characters will have their own storylines, and NPC conversations will have full voice-overs. With the early developers of <Elsword> participating in its development, fast-paced-action seems to be something of their expertise. Many content are still in plan and in development such as an AOS mode and defense mode, and they plan to continuously update in order to give ‘endless goals’ to strive for. Their current goal is to launch during the summer of 2014.

<Soul Walker> is currently undergoing a complete renovation. Action and cast have been enhanced to the next level, and many changes were made to the game’s story and graphics. An overseas release by the second half of 2014 is their goal.

If <Closers> and <Soul Walkers> were games marketed towards customers of the mania levels, <Project Blackship> is a MORPG equipped with the latest technologies. The highly realistic physics system used distinguishes the game from others of its kind, such as the enemy being flown in different directions depending on the angle and the direction the attack, deflecting arrows, and destroying debris in order to damage the enemies. CBT is planned to be in either March or April of this year.

A game that allows players to borrow the characters of other players, MMORPG <Eloa> is planned to be in CBT phase between January 8th and 11th. Also, <Mystic Fighter> puts forth its unique ever-changing field map system and dot graphics to jump into CBT phase during the first half of 2014.

Hack-n-Slash and Shooting, Quarter-view actions!

Game Title

Plans

Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls

Release – March 25th

Metal Reaper

OBT – first half of 2014

Hero Warz

OBT – first half of 2014

Wild Buster

CBT – first half of 2014 OBT – within 2014

Project AX

CBT/OBT – within 2014

Devilion

CBT/OBT – within 2014

2014 has a series of quarter-view or top-down-view action games tailing after one another. These games are here to showcase their games through pure hack-n-slash fun rather than on focusing on impressive graphics or cast.

First off, <Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls> is set to release on March 25th. Ever since the tests that began towards the end of 2013, a huge renovation took place that made changes to item configurations and methods on how to attain them. Along with their decision to include an endless hunt mode, it has since then received positive feedback such as “now It seems like a real <Diablo 3>.”

<Devilion>, a game that is suffering from criticisms of the game’s resemblance to the <Diablo> series, also has plans to undergo its CBT and OBT this year. <Devilion> has been working on their ‘Devilion system’ very extensively since their 2nd CBT in order to distinguish themselves. Other features, such as guild pvp, devilion development, and Large-scale battles are in plan.

<Wild Buster> and <Metal Reaper>, games that introduced a genre that uses quarter-view systems in shooting games, also launch its CBT and OBT in the first half of 2014. They are two games that have great similarities in game controls as well as the developers’ methods of managing contents.

<Wild Buster> is a game that distinguishes itself from other games by putting forth its unique combination of interesting settings, storytelling, characters, and combat. On the other hand, <Metal Reaper> is a shoot-em-up MMORPG that has a unique movie-like monster wave cast.

<Hero Warz> also launches its OBT phase within 2014 after their ‘Live Beta Test’(LBT) last December. <Project AX> also launches its CBT in the first half, and OBT in the second half of 2014. With the lack of solid information for both of these games, we will not be covering them too much in this article.

Challenge the appeal of PvP! PvP-oriented Games

Game Title

Plans

Pirates

CBT – beginning of 2014

Fighting Star

OBT – H1 2014

Heroes of the Storm

CBT – H1 2014

MOBA games, which has gained popularity in the past year due to <League of Legends>, also make their appearance in 2014. First off, a game that lead the race in popularity at the recent G-Star, <Heroes of the Storm> launches its CBT in the first half of 2014. Short, but intense battles that span the unique mechanism-filled battlefields, and emphasis on the importance of skill choices are the key features of this upcoming title.

Mixed with the just right amounts of MOBA, action, RPG and shooting, <Pirates> also launch its CBT and OBT during the first half of 2014 via Netmarble. While the camera view and the basic game mechanics are similar to other MOBA games, this game offers many opportunities for a unique experience with its ship pillage and loot system. The game current has different game modes including ones similar to domination, melee, and treasure hunting.

An action MOBA is a genre we haven’t seen awhile, and <Fighting Star> brings this genre back to us with its OBT in the first half of 2014. <Fighting Star>’s basic mechanics can be said to be similar to that of <GetAmped> and <Lost Saga>, and players are able to make different combos or skills by controlling the characters’ hands and feet. Game modes include 1 vs 1 mode and the traditional 3 lane MOBA mode.

Everything from SF to military! Comeback of the FPS

Game Title

Plans

Viper Circle

OBT – Summer 2014

CrackShot

CBT – Summer 2014

Iron Sight

OBT – within 2014

Fireball

OBT – within 2014

New FPS and TPS genres make their comebacks after a year of absence. These new coming games are various in their settings, starting from the traditional military themes to the new SF themes.

As the leading example of the military themes, <Viper Circle> makes its appearance half way through this year with its OBT. While their ability to freely change between first person view and third person view was titled unique during their last CBT, they have apparently decided to change to a first person view completely, respecting the player feedbacks. Their distinguishing feature lies in their meticulous research into the gear of the current special forces, and the ability to customize firearms.

A fusion FPS game that contains everything from zombies to aliens, past, present, and future, <CrackShot> makes the Summer of 2014 its goal for its CBT. <CrackShot> plans to make its stand among other upcoming FPS titles by using its unique inventory of various game modes, which include a defense mode, alien abducting mode, free mode, etc. It is truly unique for an FPS game to have so many PvE modes.

<Iron Sight> is an FPS game set in the near future. Players will be able to use remotely controlled drones to fight for them, and customize various parts of their firearms to fine tune each segments.

Taking another step into the SF world, <Fireball> makes its entry sometime in 2014. <Fireball> is currently undergoing its OBT in both North America and Europe. While its combat and graphics are excellent in accordance with its SF theme, PvE contents are receiving negative feedback on the grounds that they are too repetitive.

<Fireball>’s Red 5 Studios’ CEO Mark Kern recently left the company and the company is about to undergo a complete reform.

Sate your curiosity! Upcoming titles covered in veils!

Game Title

Plans

Tree of Savior

FGT – February 2014

Peria Chronicles

CBT – within 2014

Genesis 4

CBT – within 2014

Wolf Knights

CBT – within 2014

Civilization Online

CBT – within 2014

Project A

CBT – within 2014

While great ambitious games seem to be under development, there are many games out there that we need more information on. The only game among these that actually has a date set for its testing schedule is <Tree of Savior>. Everything else lists their CBT to be sometime within 2014.

With a single promotional video at G-Star 2013, <Peria Chronicles> quickly rose to be one of the most anticipated games of 2014. Players are able to use a certain resource to make changes to the game’s terrains, create dungeons and towns, and set laws of the villages in the game. Unique crafting recipes are available in the game, such as creating a parasol from a wooden post and a plank and lighting the bulb with a luminous stone. With detailed object movements using javascript, the game has so far earned the nickname ‘3D <Minecraft>.’

<Civilization Online>, <Wolf Knights>, and <Tree of Savior> all begin their testing phases in 2014. <Civilization Online> is a game that has a goal to be a ‘pure sandbox game.’ A player is set within a giant open-world map, and plays ‘sessions’ of games that progresses further as players complete each of the sessions. Players are assigned to one of three categories among soldier, merchant, and ruler.

<Wolf Knights> has also opted for the session gaming. <Wolf Knights> is a project that began from an ambitious goal to combine the growth of MMORPG with the MOBA system. A total of 150 players will participate in a session to experience a character for up to 2 hours, then will begin a new adventure with a new character in the next session. A very ambitious and unique concept.

<Tree of Savior> plans its FBT to be in February of 2014. This is another game that quickly rose to popularity among gamers after a reveal of its video at G-Star 2013. With graphics that induce nostalgia about <Ragnarok> and revamped combat and ui systems, <Tree of Savior> definitely seems worth waiting on.

Although left the in dust after its initial promotional video back in beginning of 2012, <Genesis 4> comes back with a CBT in 2014. An official sequel of the <Genesis> series, <Genesis 4> is set in the continuous world of the original, and players will be able to create a team of 5 characters to set upon their adventure.

<Project A> is another game that plans its CBT to be within 2014. Players will be able to use summoned pets called “Jins” in card forms in order to turn the battle to their favor. Up to two Jins will be allowed per battle, and they will progress in growth along with their skills.

Just what and where are these games?

Game Title

Plans

Puzzle and Knights

CBT – H1 2014

World Heroes Online

CBT – H1 2014

Maple Story 2

CBT – within 2014

Pentakill Project

CBT – within 2014

Project T

CBT – within 2014

Project Tar

CBT – within 2014

There are numerous games out there that only has rumors of tests beginning in 2014. <Maple Story>’s sequel <Maple Story 2> is a collaborative project between Nexon and NCSoft and is receiving much attention. This game also plans on beginning its testing within 2014.

SmileGate’s <Pentakill Project> and <Project T> also plan their CBT in 2014. With an IP contract signed with Marvel Comics, <Pentakill Project> is a MOBA game with an impressive roster of champions that crosses western comics with Asian comics. The only information on <Project T> is that it is a hack-n-slash game being developed with the Unreal Engine 3.

Softnix’s MMORPG <Project Tar> is in the same boat as many of these other games in that there are no real information regarding the game’s status other than its plan to test in 2014. <Puzzle and Knights>(aka Spiral Knights overseas), and a card-collecting game that is themed to include heroic figures from different cultures worldwide <World of Heroes Online> is planning its CBT in the first half of 2014 as well.

What were the most popular topics in Korean gaming industry in 2013? Here’s TOP 10 news.

1. Mobile, Mobile, Mobile…

With the hit mobile games like <Anipang for KAKAO> in 2012, mobile game category has made the entire environment of Korean game industry changed. We would call 2013 as the year of mobile games.

<Chachacha>, <Magumagu 2013>, <Modoo Marble>, <Taming Monsters> from Netmarble, <Windrunner> from Wemade, <Cookie Run> from Devsisters are the most favorable mobile games in Korea. KAKAO Talk has become truly the best mobile game platform in Korea.

In terms of the market size, the mobile gaming industry grew up to $115.6 million last year, which has increased by 51.4% from what of 2012.

2. Gamevil Acquired Com2uS

It shocked everyone in the industry when we heard two of top Korean mobile game companies became one in October. Gamevil took over Com2uS by acquiring 21.37% of Com2uS’s shares for $466.7 million. It would be remained as the most big deal in Korean game industry for a while.

The two companies are the best in marketing experience, the global user pool as well as the brand awareness throughout the global mobile game market. They both have mobile game platforms called Gamevil Circle and Com2uS Hub respectively, which hold lots of users beside KAKAO Talk. In addition, both have 10 years of developing mobile game experience.

We are curious what they, as one, could reach fruition in 2014.

3. Restructuring

Even though the mobile games made unexpected hit, some companies had to restructure themselves. Neowiz Games, Ntreev, Mgame, Dragonfly, Hanbitsoft, Liveplex and GREE Korea are among them.

4. Continuing of League of Legends fever

The whole Korean gaming market seems to still be in the grip of the League of Legends(a.k.a LOL) fever. The game has been #1 at PC Bang ranking for 75 weeks consecutively and has been loved by lots of gamers whenever a regional or a world championship LOL e-sports events take place.

As Korea is a host-country for 2014 LOL world Championship, the LOL would continue its popularity and become the most popular e-sports game in Korea as well.

5. Politicians represent the Game Industry

After a representative of Minju-dang, the opposition party, has become the chairman of KeSPA(Korean e-sports Association) in January, a Congressman from Saenuri-dang, the ruling party, has been inaugurated as the chairman of K-IDEA(Korea Internet digital entertainment association) in February.

It is still highly controversial over having such high powered politician sit as the representatives of the industry. We have no idea what would be brought until the time would tell us.

6. POPPIC happening

First of all, POPPIC is a publisher who publishes a series of books containing various illustrations created by amateur artists. The problem is that they have not paid the artists properly and fully. The worst is that they did not only pay artists, but also did not treat them correctly. Instead they abused the pure passion of the amateur. The artists should be treated correctly even though they are not pro yet.

7. G-Star crisis

Before G-Star 2013 was held, there were quite a stir. A publisher like Wemade declared to boycott G-Star this year in order to protest against the latest consideration of government – 1% additional taxation on the gaming industry.

NCsoft, Neowiz Games, Webzen and Com2uS have also decided to boycott the event after deep considerations. Lots people worried whether the event could even be held as normal.

Fortunately, G-Star 2013 achieved a quite success with the largest B2B section ever.

8. GTA V hits Korea

2013 would be the happiest year for console gamers because lots of big name titles were released such as <GTA V>, <Last of Us>, <Bioshock Infinite>, <Tomb Raider Reboot> and <Monster Hunter 4>.

For the most, <GTA V> was suffered from a short supply because too many gamers wanted to play it during the thanksgiving holidays. The game has been sold over 100 million copies in Asia only. Since Korea is not the best place for console gaming, the hit of GTA V is unusual phenomenon.

9. Next Generation Consoles out

When talking about 2013, we cannot omit the release of the next generation consoles – PS4 and Xbox One. PS4 was released first in Korea on the 17th of December. Since Xbox One will be released in 2014 in Korea, the console war in Korea is ahead in 2014.

10. Gaming Becomes One of the Major Four Addictions

Out of many gaming issues in 2013, movement to legislating the games as one of the four major addictions was the biggest and the most critical. Since the bill was proposed in April, it became an huge issue throughout the country. The bill suggests that the games are an addictive material along with alcohol, gambling and drugs.

It has been tabled for now. However, the argument would be continued since some congressmen still insist the bill to be established.

A suit filed against EA based on Article 92, Item 2 of the Korean Commercial Act this past June.

Neowiz Games has sued EA Korea in order to receive compensations for the service termination of <FIFA Online 2>.

According to the Neowiz representative, Neowiz had sued EA on September 30th in order to receive compensation for their losses that had occurred along with the termination of <FIFA Online 2>. After the initial request for the certification of contents regarding their claim for compensation, the lawsuit is currently on-going since late June.

The purpose of the lawsuit is to receive compensation for the invested manpower and expenses during their contract with <FIFA Online 2>. The Neowiz representative has stated their stance on the matter saying “Neowiz Games has worked tirelessly for the past 5 years in order to bring outstanding service to the game and have been successful in doing so. However, EA has decided on the termination of <FIFA Online 2> and has not compensated us for the work so far.”

Neowiz Games has filed a lawsuit based on these grounds according to the Korean Commercial Act. The Article 92, Item 2 of the Korean Commercial Act states that when a developer company has profited with new customers and increase in trades due to the work of a publishing company, and the profits continue to benefit the developer company after the termination of the contract, the publishing company has the rights to file for the claim of compensation.

Neowiz Games has publicly stated that they “will receive compensations for making <FIFA Online 2> a success.”

Game focus in strategic party play controlling both the Hero and soul soldiers of the player’s choice.

Game developer Webzen tries their hand in the mobile gaming market using one of their most successful title, <MU>. Let us take a look at their teaser trailer for the upcoming mobile title <Mu: The Genesis>.

Developed by Webzen Mobile, one of Webzen’s subsidiaries, this teaser trailer was released to the public on September 30th. <MU: The Genesis> is a mobile RPG that continues on the legacy of the Korean MMORPG <MU>.

Viewers are able to witness the fight between one of the game characters “Pan” and a monster that had jumped out of the computer monitor screen. Pan summons his soul soldiers, corners the monster, then eventually pushes the monster into the iPhone on the desk. The teaser trailer ends with Pan jumping into the iPhone himself.

<MU: The Genesis> plans to make the strategic gameplay of the hero and its soul soldiers the main feature of the game. Players are able choose how to develop their heroes as well as to choose their own soul soldiers in order to have a truly unique experience. The main contents of the game include a campaign mode that progresses the player along a sequence of stages, a battle mode that allows free combat with adjustable difficulty, and event dungeons that become accessible during specific time periods.

<MU: The Genesis> is set to release more information on October 14th. All the recent game related news and notices are released via the official teaser site (http://mtg.webzen.co.kr/), and players are also able to subscribe to receive these via SNS updates.